Since the British Liver Trust was established in 1988 it has actively campaigned to raise awareness of all aspects of liver disease. It has run Liver Awareness Weeks working closely with support groups across the country, it has focused on hepatitis on many occasions, especially hepatitis B and C, has highlighted poor services, the lack of donors and postcode lottery and the difficulties of living with liver disease.
It continues to campaign both on the political front and in the media, through policy groups, health service committees and by working with representatives of the medical profession and patients. More information is given through the links below.
Our current campaigns include:
Health inequalities
Health inequalities exist between liver patients and patients with other forms of disease. People dying from heart disease are likely to live an extra 15-20 years compared to those dying of liver disease where the average age is 59. In addition there are huge inequalities relating to social class and where in the country people live.
Over the next three years, the Trust hopes to help five communities to reduce liver health inequalities by establishing effective health promotion. Learn more...
Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer campaign
Hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer – but there is effective treatment and a vaccine available.
The British Liver Trust is working to increase awareness of hepatitis B and the risk of developing liver cancer and encourage those who could have been exposed to the virus to get vaccinated and tested.
Alcohol Liver Action, an initiative of the British Liver Trust/British Association for Study of the Liver (BASL)and the hepatology/gastroenterology committee of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) providing one voice for patients and professionals to increase awareness of the harmful effects alcohol can have on the liver
Throughout 2010 the British Liver Trust will be campaigning on alcohol issues – calling for better labelling, more retail and industry responsibility and improved awareness of sensible drinking for everyone. The Trust has also produced an Alcohol and the Liver leaflet with wide-ranging and thought-provoking advice which can be viewed on this website or go to our order form for printed copies. Learn more...
National Liver Strategy
The Trust is campaigning for a national strategy to tackle liver disease. Liver disease is the 5th 'big killer' in England and Wales, after heart, cancer, stroke and repiratory disease but unlike the others, there is no national service framework. Of these liver disease is the only major cause of death increasing year on year. Learn more...
To maintain our campaigning activities we need your help. Find out how you can help by contacting the media team.